Church in Spain collects aid for the victims of Hurricane Melissa in Cuba

The Cuban priest Olbier Hernández Carbonell, pastor of the San Miguel de Soternes Church in Valencia, Spain, launched a humanitarian campaign to assist families affected by Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba.

From his personal profile on , the priest introduced the initiative "A Mattress, A Hope for Cuba," launched together with the Tocan a mi Puerta Foundation and the Cuba Solidaria project, aiming to collect mattresses for families who lost their homes.

"Hurricane Melissa left many families in eastern Cuba without a place to rest. We want to bring them some relief. A mattress is not just about rest… it is hope and restored dignity," wrote Hernández.

The priest also shared an urgent call to collect medicines, food, and essential items for those affected.

Among the requested products are pain relievers, antibiotics, medical supplies, hygiene products, non-perishable food, new underwear, and materials for shelters and reconstruction.

Toys and school supplies are also being collected for the affected children.

Donations can be delivered directly to the San Miguel de Soternes Parish, located at Archena Street 43 (front), 46014 Valencia, or made via transfers to the Caixabank account set up by the parish, under the concept "Colchón Cuba Solidaria."

The priest made a call to the Cuban and Spanish community to collaborate "with whatever they can," stating that every contribution counts amid the humanitarian crisis caused by the cyclone's passage.

"Your collaboration can save lives," he emphasized in his message.

After the passage of the devastating hurricane Melissa through eastern Cuba, humanitarian organizations began to mobilize to address the most urgent needs of the affected population.

Among the first to respond was Cáritas Cuba, which established institutional channels to funnel donations of food, medicine, clothing, and other basic resources to the hardest-hit areas.

In a coordinated effort, volunteers from this organization distributed nearly 700 aid rations in severely affected communities, as part of a response network that prioritizes direct delivery to the affected families.

This effort has been undertaken amid logistical challenges, power outages, and a lack of transportation, highlighting both the seriousness of the situation and the commitment of humanitarian actors.

In parallel, church authorities confirmed that the humanitarian aid sent from the United States will arrive through mechanisms independent of the state apparatus.

According to the Cuban bishops, the commitment is to prevent its diversion or manipulation by governmental structures.